Falls & Rock Art

With a group size of 5 or more, we can customize the dates and the content of this program to suit your needs. The prices given are approximate. Please contact us for a quote that exactly fits your needs.

This canoe trip both starts and ends at the Churchill River Canoe Outfitters base in Missinipe. The route passes through some of the most beautiful country in the north. You’ll see island filled lakes and awesome waterfalls. You’ll camp overnight on “rocky ledges” “close by the water’s edge, silent and still”.

You’ll living the song: “Land of the silver birch. Home of the beaver. Where still the mighty moose wanders at will. Here on a rocky ledge, I’ll build my wigwam. Close by the water’s edge, silent and still. Quick as a silver fish, canoe of birch bark, o’re mighty water ways carry me forth. Blue lake and rocky shore, I will return once more."

Description

This is a beautiful route for the beginner paddler. You will get to see some typical Precambrian Shield type terrain – granite rock outcroppings and island filled lakes. You’ll paddle through some excellent examples of the disappearing northern Boreal Forest - large stands of black spruce, jack pine, trembling aspen and white birch. You’ll paddle “The land of the silver birch; home of the beaver.”

There are numerous points of interest along this route. You’ll see the power of the Churchill River at Twin Falls and Robertson Falls. You can imagine some of the native history when you look at the ancient rock paintings in Rattler Bay. You’ll camp in some awesome spots where the call of the loon may serenade you in the evening. You will get to see areas where the forest is rejuvenating from two forest fires: one from about 12 years ago and the other from 2 years ago.

You will see wildlife on this trip. You will most likely see bald eagles and possibly golden eagles circling overhead looking for a meal of fish. You may witness white pelicans fishing below rapids. It is not unusual to see black bears wandering along the shore or if you make some special effort you could even see a moose eating in the shallows. There will likely be squirrels at every camp site. Sometimes otters and mink are seen looking for crayfish or clams near the shore. All this can make for a rather entertaining canoe trip.

For more information on this period area before you arrive, there are two great books available: Sigard Olson's The Lonely Land and Canoeing the Churchill by Greg Marchildon and Sid Robinson.
Costs$1295.00 Canadian These prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST.

DatesJuly 16-20, 2019

With a group of 5 or more we can customize the dates to suit your schedule.

Please apply for trip by June 16, 2018.

Please include a $200 deposit with your application. We accept a cheque, Master Card or Visa. This fee is non-refundable less than one month prior to the start of the expedition. The balance is due before the start of the expedition. This may be paid in our office in Missinipe or by mail or telephone.

Itinerary

Day 0Arrive in Missinipe, Saskatchewan, either by commercial plane, bus or car. If you are arriving in La Ronge by public transportation we will meet you and transport you to Missinipe. Preferably arrive by late afternoon. You will meet with your guide in the evening to discuss the trip. Your guide will give you a waterproof canoe barrel to put your gear into. We will supply accommodations for the night for you at our base in Missinipe.

Day 1After breakfast (on us) you and your guides haul your gear down to the docks. From here you will start your canoe adventure. This day you will paddle through a maze of islands on Otter Lake. Your camping spot will be in a secluded channel near the far end of the lake.

Day 2This day you will get to see Robertson Falls and Twin Falls. These are two of the three falls that drain Otter Lake – part of the Churchill River. This night you will camp at another secluded spot on Otter Lake.
Day 3The rock paintings in Rattler Bay will be the highlight of this day. After that you’ve got a short portage of about 250 metres (where you carry your gear and the canoes between two lakes) to get to Ducker Lake. There is a great lunch spot on Ducker Lake. Then you need to portage again (about 100 metres) to get to French Lake. There is a great place to spend night on French Lake.
Day 4We’ve got another portage this morning. This is a long one, about 450 metres, that joins French Lake with Otter Lake. By mid afternoon you will arrive back at Missinipe and the end of your trip. We can arrange rides to La Ronge this evening if you must catch a flight. If you wish to spend the night in Missinipe we can again arrange a place for you to stay. For those who wish to stay Churchill River Canoe Outfitters will be supplying a barbeque.